I'm just about to get a 54 reg Ducato 2.8jtd which I intend to convert to a motor caraven. I know this has been asked before but can anyone shed any light on fitting a cruise control to the 2.8jtd. I fitted one to my Stilo which uses the manufacturers original stalk (albeit under an Alfa part number) and just plugs in because the vehicle is already pre-wired. My current motor caravan which is the Citroen version has a mechanical cruise control which basically pulls the throttle cable directly. An electronic one linking to the engine management as on the Stilo would be nice - any techies out there? Also, I wonder if anyone has had their 2.8 chipped and what it's like to drive afterwards (ie driveability, fuel consumption etc). Any info would be a great help

Look in the archives of Practical Motorhome magazine, back about 3 or 4 years ago they had an article on fitting a mechanical cruise control system to a Ducato. The device was manufactured somewhere in Britain from what I can remember.

I used these people http://www.adroitservices.biz/ to fit cruise control to my 2.8JTD camper van which works fine.

I've also had it chipped which made a significant difference to the mid range torque and a small improvment in fuel comsumption.

Thanks for the info guys esp chipping. I notice that the reverse camera system by adroit uses a camera that looks remakably identical to one I've just bought to do the same job from a computer supplier for £20, just need a small LCD monitor - E-Bay here I come. I've got a mechanical cruise control on my previous conversion which I might rescue and use but an electronic one would seem much neater.

I have the gear stick mounted cruise control on my Hymer 2.8jtd and the small memory box supplied and fitted by Conrad Anderson who are a superb firm.

The link is:
http://www.conrad-anderson.co.uk

I also have the Van Aaken Smart Box and the difference to the flexibility of the engine is amazing. The box was on an excellent sale price when I bought it but you can usually get 20% off if you haggle enough!

It was recommended by a friend who works for Toyota. They fit Van Aaken boxes as an option on the new pick ups and if its good enough for Toyota then who am I to argue!

The 2.8jtd is a super engine but the Smart Box has made an enormous difference to the torque of the engine and the overall driveability. Linked to the cruise control has meant few cruise control disengagements going up hills and a much more relaxing drive. Fuel consumption has improved by 3.8mpg but I did not buy the box for economy, its a bonus and is a result of the ability to get into 5th quicker and hold that gear for much longer than before.
Acceleration from rest is markedly quicker and I feel that the van has been transformed.

Fitting is a doddle as is removal for any warranty work. As it increases the engine power from 127 to 145BHP, you must inform your insurance company.

Hope this is of help

Pat

Thanks for the comprehensive answer Hymerpat, certainly food for thought. The Van-Aaken box is pretty pricey though. I must say I'm really impressed with how smooth and powerful the 2.8 especially after driving a Citroen non-turbo 2.5 for the last ten years, the Fiat is in a different league so I'm looking forward to some comfortable motorcaravannung for the next ten years

Thanks for the comprehensive answer Hymerpat, certainly food for thought. The Van-Aaken box is pretty pricey though. I must say I'm really impressed with how smooth and powerful the 2.8 especially after driving a Citroen non-turbo 2.5 for the last ten years, the Fiat is in a different league so I'm looking forward to some comfortable motorcaravanning for the next ten years